Citation

Leetch AN, Woolridge D. Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. 2013; 31(3): 853-873.

Affiliation

Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA. Electronic address: aleetch@aemrc.arizona.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.emc.2013.04.003

PMID

23915607

Abstract

Child abuse presents commonly to emergency departments. Emergency providers are confronted with medical, social, and legal dilemmas with each case. A solid understanding of the definitions and risk factors of victims and perpetrators aids in identifying abuse cases. Forensic examination should be performed only after the child is medically stable. Emergency providers are mandatory reporters of a reasonable suspicion of abuse. The role of the emergency provider is to identify abuse, facilitate a thorough investigation, treat medical needs, protect the patient, provide an unbiased medical consultation to law enforcement, and to provide an ethical testimony if called to court.

Language: en